BRIXHAM Council's last meeting was 'hijacked' by the tourism project manager, Carolyn Custerson — but in a nice kind of way.

Chairman Chris Bedford suggested Carolyn's presentation took place 'pre-meeting', so the attending public could ask direct questions. Wise man!

The lady outlined Torbay Council's new tourism strategy with warm professionalism.

Unfortunately, most of the complicated theory zoomed over the ol' sailor's head, but it seems, according to statistics, tourists are deserting the English Riviera for foreign destinations.

Consequently, it's felt the best way to turn the tide is to rethink the overall strategy for encouraging visitors to return to Torbay.

Carolyn informed us that tourist information centres, apparently only used by 25 per cent of visitors, are old-hat and not cost effective.

The way forward, according to 'professional consultants', is to concentrate on promotional advertising via television, the national press and the internet.

Apparently, Torbay's tourism department's aim is to attract 'big spenders' to the combined delights of an exciting English Riviera.

Therefore, she said, Brixham should forget being a separate community and embrace 'Torbay's vision' as a total unit.

Will Ford, representing Greenway Ferries, followed with a passionate plea for Brixham folk to accept that if Torbay is to succeed as a 'must-visit' tourist spot, we have to adjust to the modern day requirements of the visitor.

Looking around the crowded room, some traders, whose survival depends on the spending power of holidaymakers, nodded quietly in agreement.

However, an equal number of residents shook their heads.

Ordinary folk who, while accepting that tourism has a place in their lives, don't accept redesigning our established culture to pander to the power of the spending pound, dollar or euro.

For as long as most of us can remember, 'grockles' have come to this quaint West Country fishing harbour for a variety of 'old fashioned' reasons.

To stroll quietly around the ancient harbour, study the fishing boats, and visit quayside pubs and restaurants.

They also want to ramble along coastal walks and yarn with friendly locals. Many have returned for generations with their growing families.

I'm not sure Brixham residents want to 'modernise the system' and attract the type of holidaymaker seeking 24-hour nightclubs, casinos and sunny topless beaches... I don't know though!

While some councillors questioned that, out of a tourist budget of almost £650,000, closing Brixham's TIC to save about £40,000 didn't make economic sense, others appeared unsure of their reactions to closing the quayside facility.

Plus, it was argued, if Torbay Development Agency feels TICs aren't cost effective, why do they plan to only close Paignton and Brixham and not the most expensive one to run, Torquay?

I'm sure that same question will cause different reactions from within the community.

Perhaps the answer is 'if' Brixham Council and the business community believe the tourist office does a worthwhile job, then maybe it should remain open and be run by volunteers? The debate goes on.

READING an old newspaper cutting about a memorial service for Torquay man Bruce Henley Halford caused me to reflect on life.

Experience taught me that being in command involved more than safe navigation or ship handling, although those skills helped.

The secret of running a happy ship was selecting the right crew.

During my final years at sea I was lucky enough to have the same crew for well over five years, and later, while being in charge of Torbay Shipping Agents, the 'lads' remained constant and loyal for donkey's years.

Back in the 1970s, as managing director for TBSA, I remembered seeking a deck-hand for Arthur Curnow who, prior to becoming a top-class lifeboat coxswain, skippered one of the pilot boats.

Arthur recommended his chum, Bruce.

"He's an ex-Grand Prix driver, public school-educated and a bit of a snob, but I think he'll make a good boatman," he said.

Flashing through my mind was the need for a rough-'n'-tumble deckhand, ready to go to sea in any weather.

Someone who'd willingly carry a deep-sea pilot's bag from the office down to the pilot boat.

Certainly not some hooray-Henry, crash-and-smash merchant, charging past the breakwater with throttles full down.

Besides, he sounded like a man trying to get away from other responsibilities.

Sorry Art, I don't think so!

But the Cornishman assured me: "He's not cocky these days. I've beaten him in several veteran races and my guess is he'll work for little money."

I suddenly warmed to the chap.

Within a couple of months Bruce had settled into the hectic lifestyle of pilot boat operations.

Although not a trained seafarer his racing experience enabled him to read sea conditions and skilfully handle the boat.

He'd hump a pilot's bag down the hill without question; was always polite, punctual and pleasant to customers.

When Arthur moved on to greater things Bruce was appointed skipper and he gave me no headaches... except, well he did request more money!

During his shift he'd sit in the office doing the Times crossword and when the '30-min call' came from a ship, fold away his paper and say to his deckhand: "So, off we go then, dear boy."

One Sunday morning in 1978 remains in my memory. south-east storms had caused the pilot station to be closed for three days and it was Bruce who suggested we venture out past Berry Head to investigate conditions.

"I do believe it's moderated slightly, guv," he said.

So off we went.

Outside, it was still wild, not really workable but an American ship requested we land his Rotterdam pilot.

Just as we came alongside our steering gear went completely kaput.

Attempting to rig the emergency gear, Bruce was almost washed overboard three times so I called him inside and requested help from Torbay lifeboat.

Within 20 minutes the Edward Bridges was alongside and as the crew hauled deckhand Carl onboard, followed by Bruce, before walking aft the ex-Grand Prix driver doffed his cap, remarking: "Good morning gentlemen, how kind."

The world has become a less interesting place with the passing of Bruce Henley Halford.